Received on Oct. 8 -- Jason Newsted OFFICIALLY joins Voivod...

Former Metallica bassist, JASON NEWSTED, has officially confirmed his role as the new addition to original VOIVOD members, SNAKE (aka Denis Belanger) - vocals, PIGGY (aka Denis D'Amour) - guitar, and AWAY (aka Michel Langevin) - drums. JASONIC (Newsted's new given moniker) will also serve as producer for the metal legends' upcoming release on the Chophouse Records label (in association with Surfdog Records).

Long-time friends and pioneers of metal music, the four musicians first began working together at Newsted's Chophouse studio in 1995, intent on keeping the music alive between busy touring schedules. However, with his recent departure from Metallica in January 2001, Newsted was free to work on a myriad of projects, which could now be more than just hobbies.

With a working title of "THE MULTIVERSE," VOIVOD's 13th release will feature 13 brand new tracks all to be recorded and mixed at The Plant in Sausalito, CA from October 13 through November 13, 2002.

VOIVOD first began recording back in 1983, creating an innovative and very identifiable musical style which can best be described as ferocious, progressive metal. And now, on the eve of their 20th anniversary, with the return of Snake (the voice of VOIVOD), they are set to release an album for which anticipation has been building in underground metal circles for years.

Newsted - "Those who know Voivod respect Voivod around the globe! This is the new beginning for all of us. We're the same age, raised on the same music. We've been through a lot of similar situations. All 4 of us are having such a good time writing our metal music together, in one room - bashing it out, it's real again!!"

Following the Spring 2003 release, the band plans to tour extensively in North America and Europe.